Russian investors in green energy projects—encompassing carbon-free and hydrogen production—are facing delays in bringing several large facilities online. The total planned capacity affected amounts to roughly 3 gigawatts, with sanctions and related supply chain disruptions driving the postponements. Observers cited a shortage of equipment suppliers, rising metal prices, and crowded factories within the Russian Federation as the central bottlenecks in the rollout process, according to a report in Kommersant drawing on statistics from the trading system’s management.
Market analysts emphasize that the pause is temporary rather than permanent. The Market Council, which oversees energy markets, predicts that nearly half of the stalled renewable energy projects will miss their original deadlines but are unlikely to slip beyond a year. Many of these initiatives were slated for completion by 2028, yet the combination of sanctions and the withdrawal of several foreign manufacturers necessitates a shift in timing.
Across the sector, the delay pattern centers on wind power and small-scale hydro. Projects totaling more than 3 GW—predominantly wind farms—have stalled in the queue, with a notable portion of the postponements attributed to the withdrawal of foreign suppliers and the consequent need to source components domestically or from alternative markets. The delays extend to the commissioning of smaller hydro installations as well, underscoring the broader impact of sanctions on renewable deployment.
Historically, Vestas of Denmark played a leading role as a turbine supplier for many Russian wind projects. The disruptions have translated into a two-year postponement for the Fortum-led wind portfolio after the Finnish company halted its activities in the Russian market, prompting developers to recalibrate procurement and project schedules. These shifts illustrate how international supplier exit dynamics ripple through national energy goals and investor timelines.
On a separate development, January reports from Tomsk Polytechnic University highlighted a breakthrough in hydrogen technology. Scientists announced a new catalyst based on molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) that enhances hydrogen production efficiency. The significance lies in reinforcing hydrogen’s potential as a clean fuel option, given that its combustion emits no carbon dioxide. The finding is presented as part of ongoing research into affordable, scalable hydrogen production methods, which could influence future investment decisions and policy support for green energy across Canada and the United States.